Tree of Life

We went to a missionary training today in Columbia that was offered through the South Carolina Baptist Convention.  Surprise, surprise … we were the youngest people there! J  People were so funny when we told them that we were going for 2 months for our first mission trip.  Their faces were priceless … it is so evident that this is the Lord at work because it is something that only HE could orchestrate and put together.

One of the speakers shared verses from scripture that back up God’s plan for mission work from the beginning.  It is amazing to see that common thread throughout the Bible. 

One of the verses that stuck with me was Acts 1:8.

⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

He pointed out that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit – we are to be WITNESSES.  Our mission field is our everyday life … at work, at home, at the grocery store … everywhere we go.  We should remember that we are on a constant mission field and we should be sharing what Jesus has done for us as much as we can … and showing everyone that we come in contact with that our lives are changed!

It’s so hard to remember that when we are tired, hungry, and the last thing we want to have to do is stop to get milk and bread at the grocery store.  (Doesn't that always happen on a Monday?)

But even in those moments, we should let Christ shine through us … so that others can see that we have something that they WANT.  That is most likely the only moment that those people passing by will EVER see you - what impression do you want them to have of you?

Our Pastor shared a message Wednesday night about the tree of life.  He said that in the Garden of Eden, there was the tree of life and in New Jerusalem there will be the tree of life.  But in between, before New Jerusalem, WE are to called to be the tree of life.

Just like in an apple orchard, the trees with strong root systems will have fruit.  When people pass those trees, they see the fruit, and they instantly want to pick it and take it for themselves. 

That is exactly how we should be – FRUITFUL.  Showing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) so that when people pass by, they want what we have.

Our prayer is that the Lord would continue to build our “root system” through His Word, so that our fruit is appealing to all that we cross paths with … not just in Honduras but in every aspect of every single day. 

Lord, fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can be witnesses for you ... not just this summer on the mission field ... but on the mission field that you have placed us in every day of our lives.  Help us to remember that NOTHING with you is a coincidence, but a divine appointment that was set by you.  Help us to LIVE OUT LOUD for you always!

^{Galatians 22-23}    But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!